Empties #3

  There were so many things in my ever-growing empties box that I thought I should split them in half: makeup and non-makeup. Above, we have a number of hair products, like for example the Batiste Dry Shampoo, the Aussie 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner, and the Boots heat protective spray. I was a fan of all three of these, they are nothing fancy, but they do the job for not much money. 

  Then not one but two Snow Fairy's. A mini and a big one. It took me ages to get through these, and I admit I was getting a bit sick of the scent by the time it got to May, but I wanted to finish them up. My friend gave me this Ted Baker body mist, which I liked the smell of very much, although the only thing I'd say about it is that I got through it very quickly.

  In terms of skin, I've tried a couple of different products recently, neither of which I particularly liked. The Freederm face wash left a very strange residue, and the Neutrogena 'blackhead eliminating' lotion did not do very well at eliminating any blackheads.

  This may look like quite a few products (especially lips) but it has taken me six months since the last empties post to collect this lot. First is the Maybelline Baby lips, just the clear one. I liked this, not least because it was only £2.99. Then the Fresh Sugar lip treatment in 'tulip'. You may have seen this in my Sephora haul post. It took me a while to finish, but I'm sad that is now done because I can't easily find/afford another one. The Rimmel stay matte powder and Collection lasting perfection concealer are both old favourites, both of which I have already repurchased. 

  I actually finished the Benefit Lollibalm quite a while ago, because I got it for Christmas, and it didn't last very long, but I enjoyed it while it lasted. You may not be able to see from this rather low quality photo, but I have finished the middle three eyeshadows from the Naked Basics palette, Foxy, Naked 2 and Walk of Shame. I liked these immensely, but I've now used the colours I most like, so I'm not sure what I'll do with the other three (even though I've hit pan on Venus). 

Sorry I had a month off blogging, I was extremely busy, but now it's summertime, so hopefully posts should be more regular.

Love Lucy xxx

BareMinerals Complexion Rescue | My thoughts

I was going to include this in my next samples roundup post, but I decided that it merited it's own post. I finally summoned up the courage to ask at the bareMinerals counter for a sample of their new Complexion Rescue (believe me, it took a long time, I hate talking to people in shops). 

 The lady was very pleasant, and colour-matched me to my shade (01 Opal - the lightest shade naturally). She squeezed me out a sample into this cute pot. On the voucher I brought along it said 'Deluxe' sample, and let me tell you it was definitely deluxe. I got 18 uses out of it! That is a lot! And I was not being scarce with it, I was going all out, assuming it would run out after a week. 

The texture is extremely light, and the colour is perfect for me. It spreads very easily, and so a little goes a long way. The coverage is quite minimal, but having said that, it does reduce redness and cover up acne quite well.

The only negative I have with this is that it is very dewy. I usually like that radiant-complexion kinda look, but I have quite oily skin, and it is more of a shiny-face sort of effect. Coupled with the fact that I have just run out of my Rimmel Stay Matte powder, the shine has been reigning free for the last few days.

  All in all, I am a huge fan of this, and am extremely tempted to buy the full size, but it is pretty expensive. Having said that, bareMinerals is an excellent quality brand, and given how little is needed, it would last a long time. Hmmm...

Love Lucy xxx

My eyeliners

 Yes, this is a lot of eyeliners. What can I say, I like trying different ones. In my defence, all of these have different purposes.

Stila Stay all day eyeliner in 'Midnight' - An essiebutton inspired purchase, and one that I don't regret. The formula is very good, and does last all day as the name suggests, but the brush is a bit thin for my liking. I do love the navy colour though. 

Mac Superslick Liquid eyeliner in 'Defiantly Feline'  - My mum bought this for me in duty free, and whilst I like the long brush, the formula takes a while to dry, and I think I would have gone for the black rather than the brown, which has some shimmer in it.

Rimmel Exaggerate eyeliner in '01 Black' - This was the first eyeliner I ever bought, which was a long time ago, so I should probably throw it away, but it is my only black liquid liner, so I am reluctant to. This is definitely not the world's best eyeliner, because it only lasts about 2 hours before it smudges or somehow evaporates, but I will keep going with it because I don't want to buy another liner. (I really don't need any more)

Charlotte Tilbury Rock'n'Kohl liner pencil in 'Bedroom Black' - The only pencil eyeliner in this collection, and also my favourite. It has become very small, because I have to keep sharpening it, so I am going to run out soon. I don't think I can bring myself to repurchase it, so I will have to find a pencil alternative. :(

Urban decay eyeshadow 'Crave' from Naked Basics palette - I apply this with a little angled Elf brush which came in a travel set, and I actually really like the effect of it. Crave is a matte black colour, and while it doesn't show up well on the paper, it is actually very pigmented. 

I might do more posts like this, focusing on one sort of product, but to be honest I only have one of most other products, so it might not be very interesting!

Love Lucy xxx

All the way from the USA

I've only been to the USA once in my life; we went around 6 years ago, and it was to Harry Potter World in Florida. We didn't actually see many things outside of the theme park, and certainly didn't go to any shopping malls, so my American shopping experience is negligible. Happily, my dad sometimes has to go on business trips to the States, and this time, I was ready to wave goodbye to my money (once again) with a list of things to purchase.

 First is the Tarte Amazonian clay BB tinted moisturiser. I got the shade 'ivory' and it is a perfect colour match. The packaging is the most stunning thing I have ever seen or felt, and I can't tell you how happy I am to own this. The coverage is minimal, but it evens out skin tone, and has SPF20, which will be perfect in summer.  

Next is the Fresh Sugar lip treatment in 'tulip'. This product is pricey for what it is, but it is honestly so good. Just one swipe gives a non-streaky, lovely colour, and it is so hydrating. The packaging is also so classy, and I love the matte finish of the tube. 

Finally is the Formula X nail polish in 'moon glow'. I did think that this would be more opaque, but it is quite transluscent, and you need a lot of coats to make a colour. I think I would try layering this over another colour rather than by itself. It does a lovely iridescence, and the colour is very pretty.

Hope you enjoyed this little haul, do you have any favourite products from Sephora?
Love Lucy xxx

Product Empties #2

  This is second empties post, and indeed it bears a lot of similarities to the last one. What can I say, I am a creature of habit. Sorry the picture quality is so bad, I had to take it on my phone instead of a camera. :(

L'Oreal EverRiche shampoo&conditioner - These were in the last empties too, and are consistent in their appearances because I like them a lot. I also tried the EverSleek conditioner, which I probably liked even more than the EverRiche, so if I was to repurchase, I would probably get the shampoo/conditioner of this one instead.

Snow fairy shower gel - This has been in my empties box practically since I posted the last one, and I actually bought it in 2013, but better late than never! There will definitely be another Snow Fairy in the next empties, because I received it again this Christmas. 

GHD heat protect spray - Not a huge amount to say about this, it protected my hair (at least I hope it did), but I probably won't repurchase because it is more expensive than most drugstore heat protectants. 

Bumble&bumble Straight shampoo - The most expensive shampoo I have ever and will ever buy. I will almost definitely not repurchase for this reason, not least because it didn't last very long (and I am stingy with my shampoo).

L'Oreal false lash telescopic mascara - I was very sad when I had to let this go, but it dried up completely and got very clumpy and disgusting. Sadly I think they have discontinued the waterproof version of this, so I have had to resort to different mascara. 

Collection illuminating touch concealer - Again a repeat from last time. Not a massive fan of this concealer (although you wouldn't guess it), because it provides almost no coverage, but given the price you can't really complain. 

Maybelline Dream matte mousse foundation - This, in my opinion, hardly counts to be classed as a foundation. I bought this probably 2 years ago, and it is in fact not empty, but the consistency has gone very strange and I am never going to use it again. 

Body Shop olive body butter - I got this in duty free, and on sale, so for a fraction of the original price. This was perhaps fortunate, because I wasn't a fan of the scent. 

H'suan wen sua hair mask - I reviewed this fully here.

Sanctuary instant hydrating toner - It took me a while to finish this, because I kept forgetting to use it. I wanted to finish it though, and I am at last through it. It leaves your face feeling very fresh, but takes a while to sink in. 

Bumble&bumble hairdresser's invisible oil mini - If it wasn't ridiculously expensive, I would definitely buy a full size of this. It is very weightless, and has a very pleasant scent. 

That's it for the empties! I can't believe its 2015 as I write this... Bye!!

Love Lucy xxx

Review + Swatches | Urban Decay Naked Basics palette

Up until recently, I had never owned an eyeshadow palette (apart from set of blue Maybelline shades I got when I was about 7). Then, for my recent birthday, after an unsuccessful attempt to buy it on a plane, I received the Urban Decay Naked Basics palette. This palette has been out for a while and got quite a lot of hype, which I can honestly say is totally well-founded. It is AMAZING. Seriously. I know it is getting a little late, but ASK FOR THIS FOR CHRISTMAS. It is all you will ever need, and I have literally used it every day for the last - almost - two months. 

It contains 5 matte shades and 1 satin finish one. L-R: Venus, Foxy, Walk of Shame, Naked 2, Faint, Crave. 

 I can honestly say I use every shade, and have already made a considerable dent in Foxy and Walk of Shame. 

Venus: A light cream shimmery colour, I use this for highlight on the brow bone and inner corners.

Foxy: A light yellow, good for using all over the eyelid.

Walk of Shame: Fleshy-toned, I use this for a base colour (to even out skin tone) or by itself all over the lid, for a more natural look.

Naked 2: A darker nude, good for a bit of shadow in the crease of the eyelid, or again by itself.

Faint: A plain matte brown. This is probably my least used shade, but I sometimes use it for liner along my lashline (see Crave)

Crave: Matte black. I take this on an angled brush and gently press it in all along my lashline, for a more smoky liner effect. 

So, as you might be able to tell, I love this palette very much. I will be posting again very soon!

Merry Christmas! Love Lucy xxx

Collective Boots Haul

 A combination of my birthday and my family Christmas gathering has meant that recently I have, for once, not been totally broke. Unsurprisingly, Boots was my main port of call. 
*Just to note that all these purchases were not from the same shopping trip haha*

  First was Batiste Dry shampoo. I wanted the oriental scent, but they had run out in my local Boots, so I went for the classic scent. Batiste isn't perhaps the best dry shampoo, because it leaves a lot of grey residue, but it was only £2.99, so oh well. After hearing pretty much everyone I know talk about the Rimmel Stay Matte powder, I decided to try it. I'm going to be honest I'm not blown away by it, but it does the job, and it is about as cheap as you can get. One thing I will say is that I've only been using it about a week and a half, and already I've made a sizeable dent in it, which suggests it isn't going to last very long. 

  Ever since I got my first Essie polish, quite a while ago, I've been set on adding to the (very small) collection. 'Go ginza' is that very polish. It is a pale lilacy pink colour, and has a really nice formula, just like my other Essie (playdate). I know you're supposed to stop using mascaras after a few months, and I confess I had been using the L'Oreal false lash telescopic for quite a while, so I thought it was time for a new one. Also from L'Oreal, this is the Volume million lashes waterproof mascara. I'm not a massive fan of the brush on it, but it does give a lot of volume (as the name would suggest), and it will definitely last for the next few months. Lastly is Soap&Glory's Dr Spot. I cannot say much about this because I haven't used it yet, but I am hopeful and optimistic!

Sorry I haven't posted for a while, but it is now the Christmas holidays, so expect Christmas-themed posts on the way!

Bye! Love lucy xxx 

Samples Roundup!

  I love samples, a lot. I have built up quite a collection over the last few months, and while at first I was loathe to use them, liking the look of all the packaging sitting together, I have now assigned myself to try all of them. I thought I would do a little set of reviews every so often, of 5 or so products at a time. 

Bumble and bumble Hairdresser's invisible oil primer - Its a mouthful of a name, but I do really like this primer. I use it as a heat protectant spray, and it feels so light and weightless that I would consider buying the full size version

Maybelline Baby skin primer - There have been mixed reviews on this, but I personally loved it. It has a smooth, gel-like texture and glides over the skin easily. I would definitely purchase the full size. 

Taylor Swift: Wonderstruck perfume - This is quite old, and I don't know if they even sell it any more, but the scent is quite pleasant.

Nars 'orgasm' highlighter - I don't know how you would ever use up a full size of this, because you need such a tiny amount to put on your cheeks. It gives a very nice pinky glow, but I wouldn't buy a full size because it is quite pricey, and I think this mini will last me a while.

Caudalie vinosource moisturising sorbet - I got this with my feelunique order, and I find it very refreshing and hydrating. Also, the tube it comes in is very cute.

I will be back with another samples roundup when I have tried out some more, and I hope you enjoyed this one!

Love Lucy xxx 

August Favourites

  Feeling very depressed because school starts tomorrow :( :( :(. These are some things I've been loving in August. 

Body Shop Argan Oil Lips - This is so moisturising and nice. The packaging is also lovely. 

Jack Wills nail polish 'Hot Pink' - I had this on my toes on holiday, and it is such a nice colour. The formula of the Jack Wills polishes is very long-lasting and doesn't chip easily.

Tanya Burr lipgloss 'Picnic in the Park' - I've talked about this before, and my high opinion of it remains the same. I hope to purchase more from this range in the future.

White Company candle 'Rose' - This candle gives off the most beautiful scent, it really perfumes the whole room. I have finished it now, and the glass is pretty to hold things in.

Sanctuary hydrating cleanser - This has a cream-like texture and removes all makeup, including waterproof mascaras. It is also easy to decant into little pots for travelling. 

Bombay Bicycle Club 'So long, see you tomorrow' - I am a big Bombay Bicycle Club fan, and this album did not disappoint. It has a really relaxed vibe, and I am in love. 

There might not be very frequent posts over the next couple of weeks, while I settle back into school, but I will be back as soon as I can with more!

Byee! Love Lucy xxx

Product Empties #1

  L'Oreal EverRiche (Nourishing&Flowing) shampoo & conditioner - I really liked these. They were quite runny and much less mousse-like than other shampoos/conditioners I have tried. They also contained quite a lot of washes, they took a while to empty.

The Body Shop Shea body butter - I am a big fan of the Body Shop body butters, and this smells amazing.

Snow Fairy shower gel - I actually finished this ages ago, but I kept it to include in a possible future favourites. I still have a big pot, which I still enjoy using, and which I'll probably still have by the time they start selling it again! 

Elf & Elemis makeup remover wipes - I have no paticular feelings about either of these, but they did their job well. I have stopped using makeup wipes now, but these were good while they lasted. 

Rimmel Scandeleyes RetroGlam mascara - I used to like this mascara, but in hindsight, it was a bit clumpy and has dried up now anyway so oh well. (<-- world's best review :P)

No7 Exquisite curl mascara - This dried up a while ago, but from what I remember, it smudged very easily. However, I liked the wand, and the colour was more of a brown, which was less harsh. 

Clinique Universal Superprimer - You may remember I got this for Christmas last year, and I have been very happy with it. Not much is needed for each usage, so it has (as you can work out) lasted over 7 months. 

Collection Illuminating Touch concealer- I've already repurchased this, because it blends wonderfully and is very cheap.

Sanctuary Pore-erasing toner - I've never used a toner before, so I cannot give an experienced view on whether this is good or not, but it certainly seemed refreshing.

Nail polish remover pads - They did their job well. Not much more to say :) 

Soap and Glory Glad hair day shampoo - This has a very bizarre consistency, almost like a gel

Review | OPI 'Lincoln Park After Dark'

 So aaages ago, I watched a couple of tutorials and videos on youtube by sunbeamsjess. Then I forgot about it and went on happily. Now, in the last few weeks, I have rediscovered her channel and I am OBSESSED. Consequently, I am in the 'whatever products she uses I want' phase. Whilst watching her Christmas 2013 haul, and also in several other videos, I saw this OPI nail polish, and I fell in love. It is the OPI 'Lincoln Park After Dark' - £11.95. I am of course aware that this is far from a spring colour, but bizarrely I find that the seasons do not affect my nail colour choices in any way. This is a lovely blackberry colour. It looks almost black, but is a very deep purple.
  

This is the first OPI nail polish I have ever bought, mainly because they are very overpriced. I do not own any colour like this, and its quite similar to Essie's 'Sole mate' which I was considering buying until I saw Jess's videos, and discovered this one. I hope this is the start of many more OPI nail polishes!

Love lucy xxx

Review | Mac 'Painterly' Paint Pot

 So this is my first MAC purchase. It is also my only eyeshadow. I am not an eyeshadow person, but I was looking for a nude colour for school, that wouldn't be too obvious. I have to say this Mac Paint Pot 'Painterly' - £15 is my new obsession. 

    

It is very easy to apply and rubs easily over the eyelid. I also find it stays very well in place and does not crease.
  They may be a little pricey, but I would definitely like to purchase another colour in the range. 

 Do you have any of the Paint Pots? It seems to be a staple in most beauty lovers makeup collection, and it definitely has a firm place in mine. 

My feelunique order

  I went onto feelunique to buy the Tanya Burr products, and came away with a lot more...

Hello! I am a huge fan of Tanya Burr, and when she brought out her range of lipglosses and nail varnishes (#tanyaburrlipsandnails foreverrr) I was keen to jump on the bandwagon that thousands of instagrammers have started driving. So with them in my feelunique basket, I noticed the get £5 off when you spend £30, and also the free samples that came with a £30 spend. So it all escalated from there...

 


 So I got the Tanya Burr lipgloss in 'Picnic in the Park', and the nail polish in 'Penguin Chic'. The lipgloss is nicley pigmented and I love the packaging. The nail polish is a bit like Porchester Square (from Nails Inc.) except darker. I have been using the Elf makeup remover wipes, but they are running out, so I bought these Elemis ones because they are cheap and there are 25 of them. I am not a fan of the fake tan look, and I don't want fake tan (obviously) but I don't like bright white legs either, so this gradual tan was (for St. Tropez) quite cheap (approx £12) and more like a slowly bronzing moisturiser. The free samples were from Caudalie and Omorovizca. 

Good haul in all (rhymes :O) and I would deffo buy from feelunique again.

Yay!

Love Lucy xxx